History
A Glimpse Into Our History
A Brief Timeline
1977
On October 1, Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. began serving clients in five counties: Kane, Lake, McLean, Peoria, and Winnebago.
1990s
Prairie State created the Telephone Counseling Service to refer clients to local offices when attorneys are available to represent clients and to provide more clients with short-term legal advice.
2009
Prairie State merged with Will County Legal Assistance Program, located in Joliet, further expanding its service area to 36 counties in northern and central Illinois.
1977 – 1979
Prairie State expanded its service area, adding offices in Kankakee, Ottawa, Rock Island, and Wheaton.
2000
Prairie State merged with West Central Legal Services Foundation, located in Galesburg, and began serving six additional counties.
2017
Prairie State celebrated its 40th anniversary of providing equal access to justice by honoring 40 Heros for Justice throughout its history. To learn more about these 40 impressive heroes, read our program here.